MACDONALD, Rita May (Cote)
Glace Bay It is with the most profound heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, our ma, our friend. On February 9, 2019, mother was called back home with her loving family at her side. Her 92 years on this earth left us with a legacy to cherish forever.
Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Mary Ann (McIsaac) Cote.
It is almost impossible to put to words how truly amazing mother was. Here are a few things we would like to share. First and foremost, mother was our foundation, the center of our family with integrity and character comparing to none. She was a woman of unimaginable courage and strength, not once through all her losses and sorrows did she ever say I can’t, instead she prayed for strength to overcome.
Mother with all her wisdom was always to the point, earning our respect and at times made us chuckle, she was our queen and our force with compassion, love and commitment with family being her top priority.
Mother you will be forever in our hearts and always by our side, we will love and cherish you mother (ma) until we meet again.
Left to mourn are her 11 children, Sheila (Walter) Sweet, Rita (Roy) McNeil, Archina (JB) Campbell, Angela MacDonald (Darren Kelly – supportive friend) all of Glace Bay, Brenda (Donnie pre-deceased) Murphy, New Brunswick, Bernadette (Louie) Bresolin, New Waterford, Joe (Ann Marie) MacDonald, Kimberly (Darren) Knockwood, Noelle MacDonald, all of PEI, Mary Louise Hillgrove, Halifax and Jacqueline (David) Young, Ottawa.
Rita also leaves to mourn her two brothers, Billy (Carmen) Cote, Danny (Eunice) Cote and sister-in-law, Cassie Cote all of Glace Bay.
She will be greatly missed by her 30 grandchildren, 22 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-greatgrandchild and also family friend Leo Bonnar.
Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by her stepmother, Sarah MacLean, her loving husband, Archie “Blue” MacDonald, four sons, Brian, David, James and Robert and brothers, Francis, Arthur, Louis, and Father Joe.
Rita was also predeceased by three grandchildren, David, Shane, and Christen.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home,16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.
As per mother’s wishes there will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Rita’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 10 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, Seaview Street, Glace Bay followed by a reception in the parish hall. Fr. Norman MacPhee officiating. Interment at a later date in the parish cemetery.
Donations can be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.